October 2009

Organized Halloween Trick-Or-Treating in Chicago

Posted in Holiday/Seasonal | October 30, 2009

Is your street less than ideal for trick-or-treating? We live on a busy street, so trick-or-treating with a two year old is a disaster waiting to happen. Many of the neighborhoods around Chicago have organized trick-or-treating at local business, and often times include parties with kid friendly entertainment, face painting, and more.

Following is a list of the organized neighborhood trick-or-treating happening on Halloween in Chicago.

GOLD COAST

Trick-or-Treat at “Ghouly” Park will be held from 4:00-7:30pm. Gold Coast neighbors will turn Goudy Park (Astor and Goethe) into “Ghouly” Park for a Halloween party. In addition to trick-or-treating, there will also be a puppet show, stilt walkers and jugglers.

WICKER PARK & BUCKTOWN

Wicker Park & Bucktown ‘Boo-palooza’ will be held from noon to 4:00pm. There will be trick-or-treating at the local stores. Wicker Park will have hayrides, a monster mash, pumpkin decorating and other fun activities. Pulaski Park will also have fun Halloween events for the entire family.

NORTHCENTER

Annual Trick-or-Treat and Costume Contest in Town Square will be held at 11:00am. Event will include trick-or-treating, refreshments, entertainment and a costume contest.

LAKEVIEW

13th Annual North Halsted Halloween Parade will start at 6:00pm. This parade draws thousands of spectators, so be prepared for big crowds. Kids can also trick-or-treat on Halsted (Grace to Belmont) from 3:00-5:00pm. Kids must register for the parade if they plan to participate, and can do so during the kids event at Space Park from 4:00-6:00pm.

BUENA PARK

Buena Pumpkin Neighbors will be held from 5:00-7:00pm. Event includes trick-or-treating on Kenmore between Irving Park and Montrose and a performance by the National Pastime Theatre in the Buena Circle Play Lot.

LINCOLN SQUARE

Lincoln Square’s Halloween Happenings will be from 10:00am-4:00pm in Lincoln Square. Trick-or-Treat at participating Lincoln Square business and participate in lots of other fun, free, ghoulish activities.

ANDERSONVILLE

Kid’s Trick-or-Treat & Costume Contest will be held at the Cheetah Gym in Andersoneville from 3:00-5:00pm. Fist prize for the costume contest is $200! You must register by 2:30. Tirck-or-treating will take place on Clark Street. Trick-or-treaters must register.

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Rainy Day Fun – Make your own comic, coloring book and more for free!

Posted in Go Play Inside, Tips & Cool Finds | October 30, 2009

Looking for something fun to do with your kids on a rainy day (like today)? I have recently found a couple cool sites with great rainy day activities. They not only bring out your kids’ creativity, but keep them entertained! I don’t know about you, but I get a bit of “basement” fever on rainy days!

Make Your Own Coloring Book Pages

Visit Crayola.com, click on Lights, Camera, Color and you can download your digital pictures to make custom coloring pages. The site takes out all the color and turns the picture into a coloring book page. You can even add cool effects like backgrounds, hats, mustaches, and word balloons.

To print out the pages you have to use a code found on the inside of Crayola boxes. I found a test code in Family Fun Magazine (Code: PRRVBTR2). My daughters are too young to print these out themselves, but I made a few pages of them with their grandparents. I let them color (scribble) on them, and then sent them to their grandparents along with the original picture as a fun little surprise.

Make Your Own Comic Strip

If you visit Make Beliefs Comics you can choose from 15 different characters to make your own comic strip. You choose their emotions, write the story and create your own comic strip. Once you’ve completed your strip, you can email it or print it out. All totally free!

Make Your Own Paper Dolls

There are several sites that let you print out paper dolls for free. Have fun with your kids cutting them out and playing with all the different options.

Make your own custom dolls at Family Fun Magazine online.
Craft Freebies has tons of options to choose from.
Making Friends

Make Your Own Paper Airplanes

There are several sites with printouts and instructions on different types of paper airplanes.

Paper Air Planes
Family Fun has several different airplanes and targets.
10 Paper Airplanes has simple instructions for ten planes.

Create an Indoor Scavenger Hunt

Following are a couple sites that give you tips and instructions for setting up an indoor scavenger hunt, perfect for a rainy day play date. To make this work for preschoolers, you could print out colors, shapes, numbers, etc. Then tape them around the house to walls, doors, the fridge, etc. Then ask your child to find the red triangle, etc.

Quazen.com
Family Fun took the scavenger hunt one step further and added a treasure map.
Type-A Mom has some great ideas for younger kids.

Looking for something that doesn’t involve a computer or much planning:

Build a fort
Play Hide and Go Seek
Have a dance party (a McCarthy Family Favorite)

Want more rainy day ides?

Here are three sites with tons of craft ideas and printable pages.

Better Homes and Gardens, Rainy Day Craft Projects
Family Fun Magazine
Sprout Online

Let me know what your family likes to do on rainy days. Unfortunately we probably have lots of rainy and snow days ahead of us!

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Sunday Morning Fun – Yummy Brunch and Kids Concerts!

Posted in Go Play Inside | October 28, 2009

Looking for a fun Sunday morning activity? Try the Beat Kitchen (2100 West Belmont) for brunch and concert for kids. My family stumbled upon this great family music venue last Spring, and have been to several concerts. My husband even took our two kids (under 2) solo last Sunday. Go Dad!

We usually arrive early so that we can enjoy brunch (10:30 or earlier if you want to get a table). The concert starts at noon and only cost $5 per person. A bargain when compared to most kids concerts in the city. The Fall Music Calendar is below. As you will see, they tend to get all the local favorites. They also offer arts and crafts with Unicoi Art Studio after the show at no additional charge.

Some of the concerts we’ve been to have been packed, while others have not been as well attended. The more popular performers tend to draw a big crowd.

Fall Music Calendar

Sunday, 11/1 Human Tim + Robot Tim
Sunday, 11/8 Karen 4 Kids
Sunday, 11/15 Little Miss Ann Band
Sunday, 11/22 Mary Macaroni
Sunday, 12/6 The Swing Sets
Sunday, 12/13 Lindsay & Jesse
Sunday, 12/20 Jeanie B! and The Jelly Beans

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Movie enthusiast won’t want to miss the International Children’s Film Festival

Posted in Go Learn, Go Play Inside | October 21, 2009

Do you have a budding actor or filmmaker in your house or how about just a film enthusiast? If so, you won’t want to miss The Chicago International Children’s Film Festival which runs from October 22nd through November 1st. The event presents more than 260 of the best films and videos for kids, including films made by kids. More than 100 directors attend screenings to talk with kids.

Families with preschool age children should check out the “My First Movies” special screenings. Aspiring filmmakers can take advantage of the Take One! Workshops. These workshops allow kids to work directly with accomplished film professionals.

For a list of screenings, tickets and more information go to www.cicff.org

$6.00 for children (2-16) and $9.00 for adults.
Individual tickets for weekend screenings can be purchased at the box office 30 minutes prior to a screening or via the CICFF website through Ticketweb.
All seating is general admission.

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Two “Flippers” Up for discount days at the Shedd, Fantasea and $3 parking!

Posted in Go Play Inside | October 21, 2009

Beluga Whale
After five years in Chicago, I had still never visited the famous Shedd Aquarium. I guess that is a testament to how many wonderful things there are to do in Chicago.

I recently made a new friend who has a son the same age as my daughter. As a LA transplant, I am still in awe at how easy it is to make friends here in Chicago.

My new friend has a yearly membership to the Shedd, so we decided that Fantasea (the Shedd’s new aquatic show) would make the perfect first play date. She recommended we meet early to avoid the crowds and commandeer one of the highly sought after metered parking spots. What a find those are. I paid $3 for three hours of parking!

We also happened to go on one of the Shedd’s many Community Discount Days. General admission was free, but I had to pay a pretty hefty upgrade fee if I wanted to get into all the attractions including Fantasea. I was happy to not pay full price, but the Aquarium is not an inexpensive outing!

The Shedd offers attractions and exhibits that will appeal to kids of all ages (babies to teenagers). They have hourly animal encounters where you can get up close and personal with the animals and animal chats several times a day.

Our toddlers’ favorite activities included the hands-on Polar Play Zone with the submarine and touch pools, the HUGE Beluga Whales, sharks and giant turtles. Although there was a lot to see, I wish the hands-on area was a bit more extensive. What they have is very entertaining, but more to “do” versus look at is always better with toddlers.

Our kids may have been a bit too small for Fantasea. Two year olds have a pretty short attention span. They were mesmerized by the dancing and jumping whales and dolphins, but they lost interest in the theatrical portions of the show. Luckily we had raisins and gold fish to keep them busy!

The Shedd also offers “Extrodinary Experiences” which look amazing:

Beluga Encounter (touch and train whales)
Trainer for a Day
Behind-the-Scenes Tours
Overnights

All and all I would give the aquarium “two flippers up”, especially if you go on a discount day and get there early enough to snag a metered spot (we arrived at 9am).

Here’s the skinny on the Shedd

Location: 1200 South Lake Shore Drive
Hours: weekdays 9am-5pm, weekends 9am-6pm
Admission: adult $24.95, kids 3-11 $17.95
Chicago residence get $3 discount
Yearly Family Membership: $115
Slowest Days: Tuesdays and Wednesdays

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The Chicago migration indoors has begun, so off to Family Grounds we went!

Posted in Go Play Inside | October 20, 2009

Like most Chicagoans, I have made the yearly migration indoors! Winter is when my research skills get put to the test trying to find new, fun, mom and kid friendly spots to spend our days. On one of our first days of rain, I headed to Family Grounds (3652 Lincoln)with a few girlfriends.

I have to say that Family Grounds lived up to the hype. I give it “Two Umbrellas Up!” I was pleasantly surprised at how clean, friendly and yummy it was. My visit started off a bit rocky. It was sprinkling outside, I had to make SEVERAL laps around the block to find parking and when I got there I was told I had to wait because they were at capacity. The good news is the wait went quickly, the staff offered to get me a drink since my hands were full feeding my baby, and they had a great little coloring area that kept my toddler entertained while we waited.

Once my friends arrived, we quickly made our way into the play area. I was actually able to chat and enjoy my tea for over an hour while my toddler played with some of her friends in the play space. Family Grounds delivered on their promise. I had a comfortable place to sit and enjoy some mommy time, while still being able to keep an eye on my toddler.

The play area isn’t huge, which is great for keeping track of your little one. That being said, I think older kids may get bored after a shorter period. The space seems geared towards toddlers and pre-school age children.

They offer Intelligentsia Coffee, which my coffee connoisseur friends told me was delicious. I had a piece of banana bread that was equally delicious. They have a large menu of drinks, pastries, sandwiches and kid pleasing snacks. Prices were reasonable too, kid’s sandwiches start at only $1.50.

The $7.95 for 90 minutes of play is less than many other indoor play areas in the city, and $3.95 for a sibling is a bargain. The play area was clean and the staff was amazing. They even have a spare set of clothes in case you need them.

They have a Fit Mama’s Club workout on Fridays at 8am and live music each Saturday at 10am. Afternoons are not as busy as mornings. This place is getting very popular, so if you come in the AM on a rainy day, you might have to wait. They are planning to put an online reservations system in place soon. For now, waiting seems to be the norm.

All and all I was impressed and will definitely be going back this winter.

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Check out the new Land of Nod Outlet!

Posted in Go Shop | October 16, 2009

Did you know that the Land of Nod Outlet moved to Naperville (1860 Jefferson)? The store is bigger and better organized than the old store in Northbrook. Best of all, it is right next to a great Crate & Barrel Outlet (their sister company).

They offer slightly damaged and new discontinued furniture, bedding, books, toys and art . The discount varies dramatically. Some of the items don’t seem like much of a deal, but others can be quite the find.

I got a white dresser at the old location that was missing its knobs and had a red scratch (came off with Goo Gone) for $150. I added some crystal knobs and it is as good as new in my baby’s room. I was looking for a little table and chairs this time. Although they had several to choose from, the discount was pretty small.

My only complaint would be that the aisles are too narrow. My stroller would not fit down most of the aisles in the store, which made shopping difficult. Given there target market, you would think that they would make the store as stroller friendly as possible.

I would say it is worth the trip (especially with the HUGE Crate & Barrel Outlet next door), but be prepared to hunt through stuff to find a good deal.

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Plan a trip to the mall that promises fun for mom and tot!

Posted in Go Shop | October 15, 2009

When the weather turned cold, I suddenly realized that my two year old did not have a single long sleeved shirt or a proper winter coat, so off to Old Orchard we went. When shopping with kids I no longer stroll through stores, leisurely sipping coffee. I am a strategic shopper now. I have a plan and a timeline. That being said, I have learned a valuable lesson…a trip to the mall will be a lot more enjoyable if I plan for some play time too.

I’ve always enjoyed the kid friendly play areas (dragon playground), wide walk ways perfect for strollers and two year olds who insist on walking on their “OWN”, and great kid friendly restaurants (food court, Johnny Rockets & California Pizza Kitchen), but on my most recent trip to Old Orchard, I discovered a few new kid friendly amenities/activities/discounts that made sure all of us had a good time.

The Pottery Barn Kids at Old Orchard has FREE story time every Tuesday from 11-11:30am. They also have free sing-alongs and Barbie Events. There next sing-along has a Halloween theme and will be on 10/28 at 10:00am and 11:00am. Check their website for additional events.
The Barnes & Noble at Old Orchard has FREE story time and craft every Monday at 10:00am and free story time every Tuesday at 10:00am. They also have other special events like visits from Clifford. Check their website for additional events. There will be a Halloween themed storytime on Oct. 24 at 11:00am.
Kids eat FREE at Johnny Rockets from 3-5:00pm every day. They also have huge booths and 5 highchairs, so they can accommodate a group of mommies.
Westfield Family Club (WFamily) – Who knew you could get discounts and invitations to cool kids events from the mall? Visit the concierge desk in the food court and sign up for the FREE WFamily Club. Not only do you get special benefits and invitations to kid friendly events, but you also get great discounts. Every Wednesday you can get special discounts at participating stores by showing your card. I checked out the list of discounts, and there are some great ones (15% entire purchase at Children’s Place, 25% a single item at Gap, Gap Baby and Gap Kids, 15% off your meal at Johnny Rockets, 15% a regular priced item at Steve Madden, and many more). If you’re free Saturday, Oct. 24, they are having a giant Harvest Festival for families at the mall.

With storytime as the carrot, my toddler may even be able to tolerate a half hour in the Nordstrom’s shoe department! Let me know if you have any other tips for surviving the mall with your wee ones!

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More Spooktastic Halloween Events in Chicago!

Posted in Holiday/Seasonal | October 12, 2009

Still on the hunt for more Halloween fun for you and your little goblins? Following is a list of some of the most “spooktastic” concerts, performances, parties, movies and events for families happening this October in Chicago.

These events all have an admission fee. To find free events, check out my post: Spooktastic Free Halloween Events For You & Your Little Goblins!

Concerts

Spooky Sing-a-long at the Old Town School of Folk Music – This spooky, but not scary sing-a-long features Karen Banks-Lubicz, Mr. Singer, Lindsay Weinberg and Lisa DeRosia. Wear your costumers.

Oct. 25 at 11:00am
$12 per person

Beat Kitchen’s Special Halloween Show with Shana Sings.

Oct. 25 at noon
$5 per person

Civic Orchestra of Chicago’s Halloween Haunts Concert – Annual spooky music concert at the Symphony Center. In additional to the concert, event includes trick-or-treating and family activities.

Oct. 2. – concert starts at 3:00pm, events start at 1:30.
Recommended for kids 5+
Tickets range from $10-$60

Parties

Day Frog Halloween Party - Party will inlcude goody bags, costume contest (w/prizes), and food.

Oct. 29 from 5:00pm-7:30pm
$25 per child (includes 1 Adult), $5 each additional adult

Bubbles Academy’s Bubbleween! - Party includes a music + motion activity, open play, candy-apple decorating and make your on jack-o’-lantern. The child with the most creative costume wins a free 8-week session

Oct. 28 from 5:30-6:45, Oct. 30 from 2:00-3:15pm, Oct. 31 from 1:30-2:45pm
$20 per child

Halloween Spooktacular at Pump It Up - Party includes pumpkin decorating, inflatables, pumpkin bowling and treats. Wear your costume.

Oct. 30 from 10:00am-1:00pm and 5:00-8:00pm
$15 per child/$5 adult

My Corner Playroom 6th Anual Halloween Spooktacular – Party includes goodies, entertainment, face painting, costume contest, and food.

Oct. 30 from 9:00am-5:00pm
$19 Child/$12 siblings

Jungle Gym’s Not-So-Spooky Halloween Bash – Party includes games, activities, arts and crafts and haunted house.

Oct. 30 from 4:30-8:30, Oct. 31 from 10:00am-2:00pm
$20 members, $25 non-members

Performances

Midnight on Halloween presented by Kids Dance – A creepy story about trick or treaters who wander out of their neighborhood and into a cemetary at midnight on Halloween.

Oct. 23 & 24 at 7:00pm and Oct. 25 at 2:00pm
$5 per person

The Jolly Rogers Halloween at the Emerald City Theater – This will be an interactive party experience with a live musical performance, pirate dance party, mask making, and games. Wear your Halloween costume.

Oct. 10-31
Adults $15, Kids $20 (Ages 3+ recommended)

Events

Spooky Seas Family Overnight at the Shedd Aquarium - Check out the animials after dark and enjoy themed presentations, animal encounters, dinner and breakfast and a live DJ with dancing. Costumes are encouraged.

Oct. 30 6:00pm- October 31 9:00am
Evening only $25
Overnight $60

Boo! at the Zoo at the Brookfield Zoo – Check out the not-too-scary fun and friendly spooks at the zoo. Event includes Halloween crafts and scarecrow making, corn maze, costume parade and haunted hayrides.

Oct. 17-18, 24-25 from 11:00am-3:00pm.
$12 Adults, $8 Kids

HallowFest, A Garden of Good…and Evil at the Chicago Botanic Garden. Event includes ghost trains, Halloween-themed crafts, musical performance by Dave Rudolf (Sun.), Fred the Vampire, fortune teller, Eerie Express, and the Spooky Snack Shack.

Oct. 23-25, Friday & Saturday 6-8:30pm, Sunday 3-5:30pm
$16 per person (Children 2 and under are free)

The Chicago Children’s Museum has a number of fun Halloween themed events. All are included with admission ($10)

Be Seen on Halloween – Design a reflective accessory for your Halloween costume. (Oct. 31 at 11:30am)
Cackle Contest – 6th annual Halloween special effects competiton. (October 21 at 2:00pm)
Haunted Tree House – bone-chilling sound effects to a not-so-spooky tale, featuring a heroic bat and helpful spider. (Oct. 16, 23 and 30 at 2:00pm)

No-Scare Children’s Trail at Peterson Park – Enjoy colorful costumed characters, face painting, pumpkins, games, treats and more.

Oct. 24 from 10:00am-1:00pm
Cost $6

Trick or Treat Trolley at the Illinois Railway Museum – Tricks and treats await you at every stop on this spooky and kooky trolley ride. Kids in costume get a free prize.

Oct. 24, 25 and 31 at 10:30
$10 adults/$7 kids

Movies

Chicago Park District Scary Movies

Ghost Buster - Oct. 22 at 6:30pm & Oct. 24 at 6:30 in Wicker Park ($5)
Ghost Buster 2 – Oct. 25 at 6:30 in Wicker Park ($5)
Creature from the Black Lagoon – Oct. 24 & 25 at 1:00pm in Wicker Park ($5)
The Ghost & Mr. Chicken – Oct. 30 at 5:00pm in the Lincoln Park Cultural Center ($3)
The Addams Family – Oct. 30 at 6:30pm in Margate Park ($5)

Kids Movie Night Out at Smarty Party – Wear your Halloween costume, decorate a pumpkin, create a spooky craft and enjoy a family movie. Pizza, snacks and juice will be provided.

Monsters, Inc. on Oct. 17 at 5:30pm
$25 per child

Let me know what you think if you check any of these out. Lots of fun to be had!

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Spooktastic Pumpkin Patches in Chicago and further afeild!

Posted in Holiday/Seasonal | October 5, 2009

Are you ready to hit the open road in search of the perfect pumpkin patch?

There are some great local pumpkin patches put on by the Chicago Park District, but if you’re willing to take a short family road trip you’ll find more than just a great pumpkin.

Make sure you get the pick of the patch with my top four pumpkin patch picks!

I’ve highlighted below my top four picks and included what makes them spooktastic. I’ve also included in this post a complete list of all of the pumpkin patches I’ve found within 60 miles of the city. Hit the open road and start a new “Halloween family tradition” with your family this Fall. Send me a note to let me know how it goes.

1) A small town farm with the charm and prices to match! If you want your kids to experience a real working farm with a small town/community feel, try my family’s favorite pumpkin patch, Coulters Farm in Westville, IN (60 miles from Chicago). This farm truly has a small town feel with its huge corn maze put on by the local high school’s junior class and the lunch tent manned by the local church. With regional apple cider for $0.50 and hot dogs for $1.50, I was able to feed my entire family for $6!!!!!!

Free hayrides to u-pick pumpkin field ($0.20/lbs.)
Hours of operation: daily from 8am-6pm
Cost: free admission, but some attractions have a nominal fee
Attractions: haunted bus, kiddy hay maze, wooden train, corn maze ($3 adults, $2 kids over 5), pony rides ($3), jumpy house ($2), tractor train ride ($1) and face painting ($1)

We’ve made this farm part of our family tradition, and love watching our kids grow with the “How Tall This Fall?” sign.

2) Put your dancing shoes on because at the Butterprint Farm in Monee, IL (40 Miles South West of Chicago) you will see more than just pumpkin picking! Not only can you take a 3/4 mile round trip hayride across a creek to pick the perfect pumpkin, but you can also enjoy a real country Halloween experience with some of the best Bluegrass fiddler pickers around.

Butterprint Farm offers live Bluegrass music each weekend, including a fiddlers contest on October 11th. You can also watch duck races and enjoy a puppet show.

Hayrides to u-pick field with over 15 varieties of pumpkins
Hours of operation: Saturdays and Sundays in Oct. from 10am-6pm
Cost: $8 per person for adults, $5 for children 3+ includes all attractions accept barrel car rides ($1) and face painting ($1).
Attractions: barrel car rides, petting zoo, duck races, puppet show, nature trails, make a bird house, early farm demonstrations, Butterprint Prairie Museum, face painting, and scarecrow maze.
Events: Fiddlers Competition Oct. 11th at 1:30pm, Rick Pickren on Oct. 18th at 12pm and 2pm, Tony Scarimbolo Oct. 10th, 24th and 31st at 2pm, The Sag Valley Boys Oct. 11th, 18th and 25th at 2pm, and Michelle Salee’ and her Dance Crew Oct. 18th.

3) Who wants a hayride when you can ride a camel instead! Are your little Goblins animal lovers? Well Goebbert’s Farm in South Barrington, IL (33 miles North West of Chicago) offers the perfect mix of farm and pumpkin patch to satisfy the zoo lover in all of us.

Goebbert’s Animal Land has 55 different types of animals including your barn yard favorites and exotic animals like camels, kangaroos, llamas, zebras, tigers, bear cubs and even a giraffe.

They sell pumpkins and offer hayrides, but you can’t pick your own pumpkins.
Hours of operation: daily in Oct. from 9am-6pm
Cost: Animal Land M-F $4, Sat. & Sun. $7. Admission to Animal land includes all attractions except the haunted house $4, wagon ride $4, pony ride$4, and camel rides $4.
Attractions: pig races (Sat & Sun only), animal land, straw maze, corn stalk maze, pony rides, camel rides, haunted house and wagon ride.

4) Bigger really is better at Heaps Giant Pumpkin Farm in Minooka, IL (52 miles South West of Chicago)! Heaps offers over 70 different varieties of pumpkins in their pick your own pumpkin field including GIANT pumpkins weighing over 200lbs. If you’re interested in a GIANT pumpkin, call ahead and they will tag one for you.

You can also enjoy a moonlit hayride to the pumpkin patch and bon fire on Saturday and Sunday nights. The ride last around twenty-five minutes and includes a roaring bon fire upon your return and pie pumpkin. Call (815) 719-0730 to make a reservation.

Hayrides to u-pick pumpkin field
Hours of operation: daily Sept. 7-Oct. 31 from 9am-7pm
Cost: free admission
Attractions: hayride, moonlit hayride ($8), corn box, corn maze

Additional Pumpkin Patches in Chicago and Within 60 Miles of Chicago

Chicago

Chicago Park District Pumpkin Patches are being hosted by parks across Chicagoland between October 3rd and Halloween. Entrance fees vary from free to nominal fee for activities. Activities differ by location, but may include pumpkin decorating stations, petting zoos, hayrides, pony rides, inflatables, games and harvest photo stations.

South West of Chicago

Bengston’s Pumpkin Fest in Homer Glen, IL (31 miles form Chicago).

They sell pumpkins and offer hayrides, but you can’t pick your own pumpkins.
Hours of operation: Sept. 26-Oct. 31 from 10am-8pm daily
Cost: kids 3-11 $12, 12+ $13 includes all attractions except pony rides ($5) and carnival rides ($2 each).
Attractions: pig races (10X a day), fun barn, haunted barn, feeding and petting zoo, hayride, corn maze, pony rides and 4 carnival rides

Johansen Farm in Bolingbrook, IL (32 miles from Chicago). $1 off coupon available on their website.

They sell pumpkins and offer hayrides, but you can’t pick your own pumpkins.
Hours of operation: open daily from Sept. 15-Oct. 31 from 9am-7pm
Costs: weekdays $7.50, weekends $10.50 (under 2 are free)
Attractions: pony rides, train rides, hayrides, toddler and standard inflatables and slides, Noah’s Ark Challenge, hold baby chicks, corn maze, hay tunnel, goat mountain, and over 500 animal petting zoo

Siegel’s Cottonwood Farm in Crest Hill, IL (37 miles from Chicago). They are celebrating their centennial.

Hayrides to u-pick pumpkin field
Hours of operation: Sept. 26-Nov. 1 from 10am-6pm daily
Cost: $12 per person 3yrs+ includes all attractions except rock wall ($6), mining ($5), Spooky Spiral ($1) and pony rides ($3)
Attractions: 2 corn mazes, straw maze, toddler and standard inflatables and slides, haunted barn, petting zoo, playgrounds, train, rock wall, pony rides, gem mine and Spooky Spiral.
Events: scarecrow stilt walker on October 18th.

Dollinger Family Farm in Channahoon, IL (56 miles from Chicago). If you have any Civil War buffs in your house, you won’t want to miss the reenactment on Oct. 17 and 18.

They sell pumpkins and offer hayrides, but you can’t pick your own pumpkins.
Hours of operation: daily Sept. 26-Oct. 31 from 10am-6pm
Cost: free admission, but some attractions have a nominal fee.
Attractions: train ride ($2 kids under 11, $3 for adults), corn maze ($2 kids under 11, $3 for adults), guided horse drawn hayrides ($4 kids under 11, $6 for adults), Haunted Barn ($5 kids under 11, $8 for adults), petting zoo, and playground
Events: Chainsaw Sculpting Oct. 10, Musical “Thriller” Rheinholtz on Oct. 11 at 1pm and Oct. 30 at 7pm, Mike Offutt’s Tall Tale & Kitchen Band on Oct. 12, Civil War Reenactment on Oct. 17 &18 at 2pm (entrance fee of $4 for adults and $2 for kids).

North West of Chicago

Wagner Farm in Glenview, IL (19 miles form Chicago). Wagner Farm is the closes Farm Pumpkin Patch, but they don’t have many attractions or pick your own pumpkins.

They sell pumpkins, but don’t offer pick your own
Hours of operation: M-F 10am-6pm, Sat. & Sun. 10am-5pm
Cost: free admission
Events: Build Your Own Scarecrow on Oct. 10 from 1-4pm and Corn Harvest Festival on Oct. 17 from 10am-4pm ($3, under 2 are free)

Didier Farm in Prairie View-Lincolnshire, IL (33 miles from Chicago).

Hayrides ($3) to u-pick pumpkin field ($0.49/lbs)
Hours of operation: daily Sept. 19-Oct. 31 9am-7pm, activities 10am-5pm
Cost: Weekends – free admission, but most attractions have a separate fee. Weekdays from 9am-2pm $10.50 entrance fee that includes unlimited rides and access to all the attractions. After 2pm there is no admission fee, but attractions have separate fees.
Attractions: corn maze ($3), straw maze ($3), Scarecrow Alley, pony rides ($4), tractor hayride ($3), horse drawn hayride ($3), petting zoo ($3), Indian teepee, animal show ($5), Woody’s Menagerie ($3), and carnival rides ($3)
Events: Jan’s Clan Puppet Show on Oct. 10 & 11 at 1pm and 3pm, Michael Hall the magician on Oct. 12 at 11am and 1pm, Dave Herzog’s Marionettes on Oct. 17 & 18 at 1pm and 3pm, Jason Kollum Juggling & World’s Tallest Scarecrow on Oct. 24 & 25 at 1pm and Stevenson Jazz Band on Oct. 25 at 3pm.

Lambs Farm in Libertyville, IL (35 miles from Chicago). Lambs farm is a non-profit farm dedicated to supporting the growth and well-being of people with developmental disabilities.

They sell pumpkins via a small patch near the miniature golf.
Hours of operation: daily April through Oct. 10am-5pm
Cost: day pass for unlimited entrance/rides on all attractions – adult $6, kids (2-12) $12 or you can purchase the activities separately – farmyard $5, miniature golf $4, Cow Bounce $2, carousel $2
Attractions: Farmyard Creature Walk; feeding, petting and brushing zoo; Discovery Center; Train of Terror; Enchanted Carousel; and Graveyard Miniature Golf.
Events: Barn Burner BBQ Oct. 16 from 5-10pm, Little Goblins Gathering on Oct. 10,17, 24, & 31 from 6-10pm, Haunted Harvest on Oct. 31 from noon-4pm.

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On The Go Chicago

A mom and two kids on the go in Chicago!

October 2009

Organized Halloween Trick-Or-Treating in Chicago

Rainy Day Fun – Make your own comic, coloring book and more for free!

Sunday Morning Fun – Yummy Brunch and Kids Concerts!

Movie enthusiast won’t want to miss the International Children’s Film Festival

Two “Flippers” Up for discount days at the Shedd, Fantasea and $3 parking!

The Chicago migration indoors has begun, so off to Family Grounds we went!

Check out the new Land of Nod Outlet!

Plan a trip to the mall that promises fun for mom and tot!

More Spooktastic Halloween Events in Chicago!

Spooktastic Pumpkin Patches in Chicago and further afeild!

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